As she rounded the corner of the lobby, Vesta and Thorne's friends appeared at the end of the hallway.
Charlene instinctively stepped aside and heard Jasmine exclaim joyfully, "Ms. Hawkins!" and dash forward, leaping into Vesta's embrace.
Charlene settled into a couch nearby, her back to them, using the potted plants and the back of the chair as a shield.
"Minnie, you're back in town, too?"
"Because you were coming back, Ms. Hawkins, Dad and I couldn't bear the thought of being away from you. Dad wrapped up his work early, and we flew back! We made it the day before your birthday so we wouldn't miss it! This is a necklace Dad and I made for you, Ms. Hawkins. Happy Birthday!"
"Wow, Minnie, you and your dad made this? It must have taken much effort. You're talented, sweetie. I love it. Thank you, Minnie!"
"As long as you like it, Ms. Hawkins." Jasmine hugged Vesta, whining playfully, "I haven't seen you in a week, and I've missed you so much. I couldn't have stayed in Goldland if it weren't for our daily phone calls."
"I missed you too, Minnie."
Suddenly, footsteps approached from the side.
Charlene froze. It was Thorne.
Even without seeing him, Charlene was sure just by the sound of his footsteps. After six or seven years of marriage, she had grown accustomed to waiting for him daily.
Thorne's steps, just like his personality, were measured and steady, exuding an air of calm confidence. Even when interacting with his close ones in the Henderson family, he maintained this composure as if nothing could faze him.
She had thought nothing in the world could disturb his peace. But then Vesta entered the scene, proving to be the exception.
Before Charlene could ponder further, she heard Jasmine say, "Daddy!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne)